Mindless cost-cutting is not the answer and the Government must invest more strategically, intelligently and transparently to help shape the future legal system, the incoming chairman of the Bar Council said.
Michael Todd QC, who will take over as chairman of the Bar next month, warned that investment by Government, business and society is needed if the justice system is to serve those who use it efficiently and effectively.
Mr Todd insisted he was not just making "a blind call to politicians to spend money they do not have", but instead a call to invest more wisely in the future.
"Mindless cost-cutting is not the answer," he said. "How many businesses have thrived simply through massive cost-cutting without an adequate investment programme to take them into the future?
"A secure future can, and will, only come from intelligent, fully informed investment decisions that we make in relation to the resources we have at our disposal."
He added that he was calling for everyone "to invest more strategically, more intelligently and more transparently" in the future.
Delivering his inaugural address to the Bar Council, which represents barristers in England and Wales, Mr Todd also criticised the Government's lack of investment in publicly funded work.
"It is not just about operating from modern, purpose-built courts," he said. "It is about investment in the justice system, in the services provided, and in those who provide those services.
"The Government understands that in relation to privately funded work. Why can the Government not see it in relation to publicly funded work?"
He added that there "can be no doubt whatsoever" that the Government's cuts to legal aid will result in more people representing themselves, leading to further costs and delays.